Investigation ongoing into Wednesday morning fire

As smoke pours from a West Washington Street duplex Wednesday morning, Greenastle firefighters attempt to tackle the blaze within.

Courtesy Greencastle Fire Department

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate an overnight structure fire that took place on the city’s west side.

At 2:47 a.m., the Greencastle Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 410 W. Washington St.

Crews arrived to find a working fire in the house, which is a duplex with an additional attic apartment.

With temperatures hovering at or below zero degrees, fire crews remained on the scene for several hours. They ultimately extinguished the fire, which caused extensive damage to the two sides of the duplex, though tenants from all three living spaces were displaced. The American Red Cross was on the scene to aid the displaced tenants.

External damage to the property, which is owned by Rick Michael, was limited.

GFD remained at the location until 8:35 a.m., while an investigator from the State Fire Marshal’s Office completed an investigation.

Assisting departments included Cloverdale Township, Madison Township, Reelsville, Fillmore and Bainbridge fire departments, as well as Putnam County EMS and Greencastle Police Department.

Given the low temperatures, water running off the property caused icy conditions on both Washington and Gillespie streets. The Greencastle Department of Public Works applied salt to break up the icy mess.

Crews from 1-800-BOARDUP were also called to secure the structure.

Results of the Fire Marshal’s Office investigation have not been made public.

Story will be udpated as more details become available.